Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherry Sorbet is a vibrant and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want something sweet and refreshing. With the creamy texture from coconut milk or yogurt, paired with fresh cherries, this sorbet offers a beautiful combination of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is visually stunning.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk or plain full-fat yogurt
- Pinch of salt
Optional for serving:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Whole cherries with stem
directions
1. Simmer the Cherries:
In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves completely. The liquid should be deep red and fragrant.
2. Blend Until Smooth:
Allow the cherry mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender. Add lemon juice, salt, and the coconut milk or yogurt. Blend until completely smooth, and the color turns a pale, rosy pink.
3. Strain for Smoothness:
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to remove any skins or solids. Discard the solids and keep the smooth puree.
4. Add the Alternative Flavor:
Stir in your alternative flavor ingredient (such as fruit juice or flavored water) to combine and enhance the fresh fruitiness without losing the refreshing quality of the sorbet.
5. Chill the Base:
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until very cold.
6. Freeze:
If using an ice cream maker, churn the chilled base according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes until the texture is light and scoopable, about 4 hours.
7. Scoop and Serve:
Serve the sorbet in coupe or dessert glasses. Garnish with a whole cherry, a fresh mint leaf, or any other topping of choice. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours (for chilling and freezing)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version and a more translucent blush tone.
- Yogurt Option: Swap in plain full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture and a slightly tangier flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or sweetener.
storage/reheating
Store the sorbet in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. If the sorbet becomes too hard after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften it.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this sorbet?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before simmering with the sugar and water.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the sorbet?
Absolutely! Taste the cherry mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or a sweetener of your choice.
How long does the sorbet take to freeze?
If you’re using an ice cream maker, it will take about 20-25 minutes to churn. If freezing without a machine, it will take about 4 hours, scraping the mixture with a fork every 30 minutes.
Can I make this sorbet ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this sorbet up to a week in advance. Just store it in the freezer in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Cherry Sorbet is the perfect treat for any summer day or as a light dessert to round off a meal. With a sweet, fruity flavor and a smooth texture, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and customizable, so feel free to adjust it to your preferences. Enjoy this cool, refreshing dessert any time!
Cherry Sorbet
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Cherry Sorbet is a refreshing, no-bake treat with a beautiful balance of sweet cherries and creamy coconut milk or yogurt, perfect for any occasion. it’s suitable for all and offers a sweet and tangy experience.
Ingredients
For the Sorbet:
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ cup water
¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk or plain full-fat yogurt
Pinch of salt
Optional for serving:
Fresh mint leaves
Whole cherries with stem
Instructions
- Simmer the Cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cherries soften and the sugar dissolves completely. The liquid should be deep red and fragrant.
- Blend Until Smooth: Allow the cherry mixture to cool slightly, then transfer it to a blender. Add lemon juice, salt, and the coconut milk or yogurt. Blend until completely smooth, and the color turns a pale, rosy pink.
- Strain for Smoothness: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to remove any skins or solids. Discard the solids and keep the smooth puree.
- Add the Alternative Flavor: Stir in your alternative flavor ingredient (such as fruit juice or flavored water) to combine and enhance the fresh fruitiness without losing the refreshing quality of the sorbet.
- Chill the Base: Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until very cold.
- Freeze: If using an ice cream maker, churn the chilled base according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20-25 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Scrape with a fork every 30 minutes until the texture is light and scoopable, about 4 hours.
- Scoop and Serve: Serve the sorbet in coupe or dessert glasses. Garnish with a whole cherry, a fresh mint leaf, or any other topping of choice. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Notes
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk for a dairy-free version and a more translucent blush tone.
Yogurt Option: Swap in plain full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture and a slightly tangier flavor.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or sweetener.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
